This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message. --------------- Hi Thanks Vicki, Ros and Christine for your very helpful info. You're quite right, it appears to be what was known as a 'violet ray machine' or 'violet ray generator'. I've now found some useful and interesting web stuff on vintage violet ray machines, including this website, which is an online museum of vintage electrotherapy http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com Thanks again for helping to identify this unusual gadget! Adam Adam Bell Assistant Keeper History Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums South Shields Museum & Art Gallery Ocean Road South Shields NE33 2JA Tel: +44(0)191 456 8740 Fax: +44(0)191 456 7850 Email: [log in to unmask] Vote for the Great North Museum to win the Best Heritage Project in the National Lottery Awards: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards Help us to celebrate the 150th anniversary of South Shields Museum & Art Gallery by making a donation today. Donate to support the inspirational learning and community programmes for children and families. To find out more, please visit http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/southshields/ Leader of the North East Regional Museums Hub Our mission is to help people determine their place in the world and define their identities, so enhancing their self-respect and respect for others. Find out more at: www.twmuseums.org.uk 2009 North East Public Sector Organisation of the year. v.1TWAM From: Social History Curators Group email list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Victoria Slade Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 1:39 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [SHCG-LIST] Bizarre medical machine, possibly an early ECT machine? This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message. --------------- Dear Adam, Your machine looks very similar to a Tucker's Violet Ray machine we have in the collection here. Ours comes with a number of glass attachments including one shaped for the eyes and a comb-like one. If you think it would be helpful I can provide you with copies of the information and instruction leaflets that come with this machine? In 1924 Percy Hall wrote in his book, 'Ultra-Violet Rays in the Treatment and Cure of Disease', that "the power of the ultra-violet rays to cure surgical tuberculosis and rickets, to hasten the cure of wounds, and improve the general health of weakly children has been abundantly established." Best wishes, Vicki Vicki Slade Curatorial Officer (Social History) Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Direct line 01926 742703 -----Original Message----- From: Social History Curators Group email list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ros Watson Sent: 04 June 2010 12:33 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [SHCG-LIST] Bizarre medical machine, possibly an early ECT machine? This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message. --------------- Adam This looks like an ultra violet therapy machine to me rather than an ECT machine. So it won't really help you recreate Frankenstein. You could buy them for home use I think. The different glass shapes allowed you to direct the light at different parts of the body. The Elco company were one of the manaufacturers, but there were lots of others. I think Elco may still be going. They claimed to cure many ailments and were sold from the c1900 to the 1950s. Ros Watson Curator of Human History Harrogate Museums and Arts The Mercer Art Gallery Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA Tel: 01423 556188 Fax: 01423 556130 Email: [log in to unmask] www.harrogate.gov.uk Exhibitions at Harrogate Museums & Arts Royal Pump Room Museum "Egyptology: Science Investigation" - discover some of our Ancient Egyptian treasures. See how science is helping us learn more about our Ancient Egyptian objects. "Well Travelled" Objects from around the world. Until 5 September 2010 Mercer Art Gallery The Secret Garden Exhibition inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's novel. 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